Colombian arrested in the Amazon accused of using cryptocurrencies to launder money for a gang in Brazil

Source: PortaldoBitcoin Original Title: Colombian is arrested in the Amazon accused of using cryptocurrencies to launder money from a gang in Brazil Original Link: A Colombian was arrested in his home country on Friday (2) after being identified as responsible for laundering money for a criminal organization through the use of cryptocurrencies. The gang operated in Amazonas, and now the Brazilian government, which assisted in the arrest, will request the extradition of the suspect.

The suspect was targeted in Operation Checkmate, launched by the Integrated Force for Combating Organized Crime in Amazonas (FICCO/AM) in October 2024, with the main goal of dismantling the leadership structure of the criminal organization. Investigations indicate that one of the group’s main leaders remained in Colombia for over a year using false identities, during which he underwent cosmetic procedures to make identification more difficult and evade authorities.

The capture was supported by the Federal Police Attaché in Colombia, through international cooperation facilitated by Interpol, based on a Red Notice. After formalizing the arrest, a request for the suspect’s extradition to Brazil will be made, where he will face charges for the crimes committed.

Investigations show that the Colombian was involved in laundering money for the criminal organization, using shell companies in the marketing sector with no actual economic activity, as well as cryptocurrencies and fintechs to hide and disguise the illicit origin of the funds.